Dutch miss chances in women’s soccer loss

Women's soccer | Oct. 12, 2013

PELLA—The Central College women’s soccer team missed its chances in a 2-0, Iowa Conference loss to Wartburg on Saturday.

It was a defensive battle, as crosswinds gusted upwards of 20 mph. Quality chances were a rarity, as the teams combined for only nine shots on goal. Wartburg (6-7-1 overall, 3-1-0 IIAC) took advantage of its opportunities, scoring twice—midway through the first period and late in the second—on its five shots on goal.

The Dutch had three shots inside the box sail high.

“That is the toughest we have played Wartburg in my time here,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “Our game plan worked, but our finishing did not. We have scored a lot of goals this year, but we need to go back to the drawing board.”

Wartburg scored its first goal at 26:22. Wartburg’s Ashley Frush controlled a loose ball in the box and shot from close range. Central goalkeeper Sydney Lunardi (freshman, Bettendorf, Davenport Assumption HS) made a diving save to the far post, but Brittany Frush was there for the putback to give the Knights the lead.

The Knights put the game out of reach in the 87th minute on a Lauren Bauer header to the far post. Brittany Frush assisted on a corner kick.

The stat sheet told a different story. Central led in shots (13-12) and corner kicks (7-6), but trailed in shots on goal (5-4)—Wartburg converted on nearly half its shots on goal. Forward Alayna Bailey (senior, Des Moines, Hoover HS) led the Dutch attack with five shots, two on goal. Lunardi made two saves on the day.

“Our defense was solid, as always,” said Kobylinski. “We need to tighten some things up, but we won a lot of 50-50 balls. I could not be happier with how we played, but I am disappointed with the result. Wartburg put shots away and we didn’t; end of story. All the credit goes to Wartburg. They are a great team led by a great coach.”

“In my opinion Britt was one of the best players on the field today,” Kobylinski said. “Liz played outstanding and was all over the pitch. Britt and Liz played lights out. Hannah had some nice coverage in the back and some good headers. Our back four played well and kept us in the game today. We need that effort moving forward to win games.